The Acadian region of southwestern Nova Scotia will enjoy a host of French-language arts and cultural events featuring local artists and artisans.

The Government of Canada is providing a total of $35,400 in funding to two organizations in Tusket-the Conseil des arts de Par-en-Bas and the Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas-for two projects.

Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

The Conseil des arts de Par-en-Bas will receive $27,500 in funding ($20,000 in 2014-2015 and $7,500 in 2015-2016) under the Development of Official-Language Communities Program. The group will offer a series of workshops on film and video, improvisation, dance and music. About 40 young people will take part in the workshops, which will take place at the Tusket community centre in fall 2014 and in winter and spring 2015.

The Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas will receive $7,900 in funding under the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program for the third edition of the Festival du Bon temps Par-en-Bas. About 90 local artists and artisans will be featured in a series of events that include musical performances, visual arts workshops and a quilt show. The festival is scheduled for March 15 to 22, 2015.

Quick Facts

The Conseil des arts de Par-en-Bas is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2009. It promotes the development and appreciation of the arts by and for the Francophone and Acadian community of Argyle and the surrounding area.

The Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas works to enhance the vitality of Argyle's Acadian and Francophone community and to support its overall development.

The Salle Père-Maurice-LeBlanc, a 299-seat theatre, is part of the facilities at the Centre communautaire de Par-en-Bas, which opened in 2011.

Quotes

"Our two official languages, English and French, are at the heart of our identity. Organizations such as the Conseil des arts de Par-en-Bas and the Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas play an important role in promoting the French language and the cultural and economic development of Acadian and Francophone communities."

-The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

"I am proud of our Government's financial support for projects that will boost the local economy and present artistic events for the enjoyment of those who visit and live in this beautiful region. I congratulate the Conseil des arts de Par-en-Bas for engaging youth in the arts, while instilling pride in the French language and Acadian culture. The Conseil acadien de Par-en-Bas also deserves recognition for its commitment to arts and culture in Nova Scotia."

-Greg Kerr, Member of Parliament (West Nova)

"With this support, the Conseil des arts de Par-en-Bas will be able to continue to offer workshops and cultural activities in French to Acadian youth in our area. We thank you for supporting the projects of the Conseil des arts, so we can celebrate our Acadian culture, promote our language and give our artists the opportunity to share the stage with our young people."